There was no time to hesitate, and Frank, mastering all his self-control, stepped from behind the glass partition into the office beyond.
"Mr. Callister is engaged just at present, miss. Will you please to give me your name, and I will let him know that you are here."
"Say to him that Miss Callister would like to see him," replied the young lady, her clear blue eyes resting upon the face of the clerk.
"Please be seated. I will inform him at once."
"Edna, you here!" exclaimed the broker, in tones of surprise, as he hurriedly emerged from the office, closing the door carefully behind him, not, however, without enabling the watchful eyes of the disguised clerk to catch a glimpse of Detective Cutts poring over the plans upon the desk within.
"Yes, father," replied the girl, coldly, "I am here, as you see."
"Mr. Maxwell, oblige me by stepping out into the hall a moment," said the broker, hurriedly. "I wish to speak with my daughter alone, and Mr. Cutts is too busy to be disturbed."
Frank obeyed.
Evidently Mr. Callister had forgotten the open fan-light above the door, which afforded ample opportunity for any one in the hall outside who chose to stand close beneath it and listen to hear every loud word spoken within. Otherwise he might have lowered his voice a trifle, perhaps even have spoken less harshly than he did.
"What brings you here, girl?" were the first words the listener heard. "How many times have I told you not to come to this office?"